Tuesday 8 April 2014

A New Journey Begins

It's my birthday today!

I wanted to review everything and one of them on my list was to revive my Beautification blog, with a focus on the healthier and natural life-style choices I've been making since end-2012.

One of the first things I did is to revamp the look of this blog! I have a new header!

I hope you'll stay and follow me through this new journey.


© Copyright aichakubeautification. All rights reserved.



Monday 17 June 2013

DESIRE by DOLCE & GABBANA

This article was originally posted at http://aichakubeautification.blogspot.com. If you see it anywhere else without credit, the content is stolen without permission.

DESIRE by DOLCE & GABBANA is a new fragrance that was sent to me for review.


According to the press release, the concept of the fragrance is one of  "Desire, Seduction and Strength".

Everything starts with desire. There wouldn’t be seduction, sensuality or passion if it wasn’t for desire. For us, it’s always been fundamental to let this sensation go, to break the mould and live freely by emotions.” Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana





With such a description, I have to admit, I was afraid I might hate it. I dislike over-powering fragrances with too strong notes. However, I am glad to say I was proven wrong, and actually like this fragrance. It's a little strong for my day time usage and I feel it's best used for the night.



But first things first,  I find the design of the bottle elegant with its black and matte gold combination and its weighty feel. Not one of those flimsy fall-off-the-dressing-table type of bottles and pretty enough for display. For such a heavy bottle the soft rounded edges is a lovely added touch that lends an opulent sense when handled.

DESIRE has "fresh top notes of mandarin, lychee and bergamot play softly against the sweet innocence of lily of the valley. At the core of an intense heart is a trio of ultra feminine florals. The elegance of Madonna lily and the heady opulence of Indian tuberose are blended with velvety jasmine and addictively sweet plum nectar. Adding an indulgent richness to the base is a gourmand note of vanilla infused caramel, melded with warming sandalwood, and a touch of mysterious musk and Cistus Labdanum."


To be honest this fragrance contains many floral notes that are my favourites: the white flowers of Lily of the Valley, Madonna lily and jasmine. On top of that a fragrance that contains the warm foody essenses of vanilla and caramel cannot go wrong with me. When it first spritz this fragrance on myself, I find it very refreshing and not too musky or overpowering. As it warms up on me, though it becomes a little strong, might be due to my body's tendency to deepen intense notes, which might be the Indian tuberose and jasmine playing up too strongly on my skin. Then the dry down ends with a musky sweetness.

I admit not everyone will like such an opulent fragrance but I'm one for heavy florals. They are my favourite type of perfume and I'm glad DESIRE did not disappoint. And I don't think it'll be an everyday perfume for me. I might wear it if I needed to have some confidence at an important meeting or gathering. But ideally, if I were to wear this fragrance it would have to be during an evening outing, where I'm feeling relaxed and wanting to enjoy some time out forgetting about the drudgeries of day-to-day life. I imagine maybe at an art show opening (I've only attended 1 so far though - snigger at myself) or a   concert and quiet dinner. And I would personally wear it further away from my nose, so none of the spritzing at my neck (which I tend to do). I'd probably use it at the nook of the elbows and at the ankles, and very little of it.

I always have a hard time finding nice floral fragrances these days. Perfumers and perfume customers seem to find florals a little generic and old old old fashioned. Many tend to be making alot of sharp or fruity fragrances that don't do well on my skin. Fortunately the citrusy notes in DESIRE float off pretty fast for me. So I can say I do like this fragrance.

Here's some information on this fragrance.

THE LINEUP

Desire EDP 30ml SGD 112
Desire EDP 50ml SGD 151
Desire EDP 75ml SGD 190

Desire by Dolce and Gabbana will be available from mid-2013 in Dolce and Gabbana boutiques and licensed perfume stores.


REVIEW RECAP

Pros
  • Elegant
  • Loads of lovely white florals
  • Sweet and musky
  • Long lasting (I'd say use a little of it, it goes a long way, especially if your body chemistry is like mine that tends to deepen fragrance notes and turn citrus scents sour, fortunately I think this one has ).
Cons
  • Might be too strong for daily use
  • Some might find the scent too floral and cloying
  • Too many florals - might be a put off for some people
  • Price point is a little high

VERDICT - 3.5 / 5

 
This article was originally posted at http://aichakubeautification.blogspot.com. If you see it anywhere else without credit, the content is stolen without permission.

© Copyright aichakubeautification. All rights reserved.

Sunday 19 February 2012

The Poison in You?

Fatal Attraction
Created by: CosmetologySchool.org

Monday 30 January 2012

Tangs Closed Door Preview and Sale

This article was originally posted at http://aichakubeautification.blogspot.com. If you see it anywhere else without credit, the content is stolen without permission.





This article was originally posted at http://aichakubeautification.blogspot.com. If you see it anywhere else without credit, the content is stolen without permission.

© Copyright aichakubeautification. All rights reserved.

Sunday 24 July 2011

Spa Review: The Ultimate

This article was originally posted at http://aichakubeautification.blogspot.com. If you see it anywhere else without credit, the content is stolen without permission.

Hi everyone, I decided to make an effort to update this blog! Thank you so much to those who took the time to contact me and ask after me. So yes, I need this blog as an avenue to express my thoughts about various things I try and recently, I went for a massage at The Ultimate spa, which I'd like to share with you.

I made a booking for a Ginseng Massage at The Ultimate Penthouse Spa at Shaw  under my DBS Card promotion at a special one-time rate of SG$38. I went alone and it was on a weekday afternoon. The reason for my attending this massage session was that I had a terrible body ache. All over my back, neck, shoulders and hips. Must be too much time at the computer that no amount of stretching, yoga or swimming could alleviate.




The environment at The Ultimate is very serene. As the name suggests, the spa is located at the penthouse level of Shaw Center. Once you step out of the lift, you'll find yourself at a beautifully designed lobby that leads to the spa. Stepping into the spa, you'll notice there's a way into a rooftop garden. I didn't get a chance to visit that garden, but I can imagine it must have a wonderful view of Orchard and Scotts Road, seeing that the spa is at the 27th floor.


There was little waiting time. I was served a warm ginger tea and then filled up a form, which included a space for indicating the level of pressure you prefer for the massage, and was sent into the massage room very quickly. There is a fresh set of towels and disposable undies, very cosy spa room, not too hot, not too cold and also not smelly with remnants of massage oils. The masseuse who treated me was very polite, unobtrusive and also strong enough to provide the "hard" deep tissue massage I requested for. At various points she asked me if her massage pressure was ok for me but other than that, she did not try to make small talk or sell products. Very good, I like that as I prefer resting when I'm having a massage. As part of the promotion, I had a choice of having a back or tummy mask. I chose the back mask and it felt warm and relaxing.


Normally the serenity and relaxation you obtain after such promotion spa sessions is quickly destroyed when you are greeted with hard sell for packages at the point when you make payment. However, I was pleasantly surprised that there was no hard sell at The Ultimate. The consultant who spoke with me told me about special rates and packages but politely backed off after I told her I'm not interested. Major PLUS point! Well done, The Ultimate. Also I was presented with hot green bean soup and a cup of water after my massage. I appreciated the little detail of including a dessert for the customer.

So here's a summary of my experience. As always, this is a reflection of my personal view and my personal experience. This session was also not sponsored.

REVIEW
Pros
  • Beautiful and tasteful spa design
  • Good location (easy to access with public transport and very central if you drive)
  • Clean and cosy private spa rooms
  • Nice service, good extras provided
  • Shoulder and upper back problem was resolved with good massage
  • No hard sell for packages
Cons
  • My stiff lower back problem wasn't resolved, but I guess I can't expect too much from a simple relaxation massage
  • Could be quite expensive if you are paying for it at the normal, non-promotional rate
VERDICT: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ /5

Address:
The Ultimate
Penthouse Spa at Shaw Center, 1 Scotts Road, Level 27 (Access via lifts A,B or C only). Tel: 6737 3383




This article was originally posted at http://aichakubeautification.blogspot.com. If you see it anywhere else without credit, the content is stolen without permission.

© Copyright aichakubeautification. All rights reserved.